Crossbow killer ‘restrained, raped & shot ex dead in “sexual act of spite” during triple murder of BBC star’s family’
A KILLER restrained, raped then shot dead his ex with a crossbow in a “sexual act of spite” during a triple murder of a BBC star’s family, a court heard.
Kyle Clifford allegedly carried out “acts of extreme violence” against Louise Hunt, 25, her mum Carol, 61, and sister Hannah, 28.
PAKyle Clifford is accused of raping his ex Louise Hunt during a triple murder[/caption]
FacebookLouise was restrained before being shot with a crossbow[/caption]
InstagramHer sister Hannah was also murdered in the horror[/caption]
FacebookMum Carol, pictured with husband John, was stabbed to death[/caption]
The 26-year-old has pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, a charge of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
But Clifford, who is not attending the trial, has denied raping Louise on July 9 – the same day the family were slaughtered at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Cambridge Crown Court heard today that Clifford and Louise had been in a relationship but she broke up with him in June 2024 due to his “nasty temper”.
Jurors also heard he had secret relationships with two other women behind Louise’s back – including one still ongoing at the time of the horror.
In the days that followed, the killer bombarded her with messages that were “rebuffed” by his ex, jurors were told.
As his resentment grew towards Louise and her family, who had advised her to end the relationship, he hatched the “carefully planned and executed” plot.
The court heard Clifford bought weapons and equipment and even searched online to see what racing events were on to ensure John was out the house, it was said.
He then used “deceit” on Carol to gain access to the family home.
Once inside, he carried out a “brutal knife attack” on the mum, who was married to BBC racing commentator John Hunt.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “The defendant then waited for Louise to enter the property, before restraining, raping and ultimately murdering her with a crossbow.
“He then killed Louise’s sister Hannah Hunt with the crossbow, when she returned to the property after work.”
The prosecutor said it is “not in dispute” that Clifford murdered Carol and her daughters or that he was in possession of a knife and crossbow.
She added that the killer accepts that he “falsely imprisoned Louise Hunt during the course of the incident, restraining her against her will”.
Ms Morgan told jurors the only count they must come to a verdict on is the rape charge against Louise.
She continued: “During the course of this prolonged incident, the prosecution alleges that the defendant raped Louise Hunt.
“It was a violent, sexual act of spite, before he then killed her. You will have to determine that allegation against him.”
Final texts between couple
The court was told Louise’s friends and family had grown concerned over her relationship with Clifford before the triple murder.
One friend said the dog groomer had confided in her about Clifford’s “nasty temper” and revealed he had “behaved in an aggressive manner”.
While sister Hannah found the security worker to be “disrespectful, rude and arrogant” and hoped the relationship would come to an end, it was said.
Jurors heard the couple had gone to a wedding around two weeks before the attack that became a “catalyst” for the break up.
Clifford allegedly implied he had “slept with a number of people at the wedding, which upset Louise”.
He also made a series of “patronising comments” to her, including about her ability to use an oven, Ms Morgan said.
On June 23 last year – the day they got back – Louise messaged Clifford, saying: “We definitely need to have a conversation”.
He replied claiming he wasn’t going to “take s**t” from her, adding: “I’ll be damned if I ever beg someone to love me for who I am”.
Louise also messaged Clifford telling him she was always “upset” and that the relationship was “sucking the life out of me”.
The court heard they met up on June 24 for a walk as sister Hannah waited nearby.
She later messaged her own boyfriend, telling him: “Yeah she’s okay. He’s obvs turned on the water works and has now made her ‘confused’.
“She’s taking a few days to think about it.”
But the court was told Louise sent a text to Clifford the following day saying she needed “space” and to walk away for “my own sanity and health”.
Clifford responded: “Thank you for the clarity so we can both start our healing process.”
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
Always keep your phone nearby.
Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
If you are in danger, call 999.
Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation “cannot be put into words”.
They added: “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.”
Clifford denies one count of rape.
The trial continues.
FacebookLouise had broken up with Clifford around a month before the killing[/caption]
FacebookJurors heard he had bombarded her with messages[/caption]
FacebookClifford had hatched a murderous plan that included deceiving mum Carol, it was said[/caption]
FacebookHannah was shot dead as she returned home[/caption]
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